Akasaka Higawa Shrine

Arasaka Higawa Shrine is located in the outskirts of a sea of office buildings in Minato-ku, Tokyo. Yoshimune Tokugawa, the 8th general of the Edo era, ordered to build the shrine; its main shrine was made up entirely of Japanese zelkova. It is one of the Important Cultural Properties of Tokyo and has survived many disasters, including the Great Ansei Earthquake, the Great Kanto Earthquake, and the Tokyo Air Raid from World War II.
You can see Torii gates and Koma-inu (guardian dogs) with the Edo year carved in each one. Three Gods are enshrined here: Susa no Mikoto, Kushiinada Hime no Mikoto and Onanuji no Mikoto. Thanks to these specific gods, it is believed that worshippers receive the benefits of purification, good marriage, family safety, and sucessful business ventures.
When you visit this shrine, it is highly recommended to see the 400 year old giant Ginkgo Tree. Even though its trunk was burned down in the Tokyo Air Raid, leaving a big hole, it has never lost its vitality. We can still see lots of green leaves each and every year.
You can also see the graves of knives, as well as Shiawase Shrine, built by Kaishu Katsu, one of the statesman of the Edo era. At the “Akasaka Hikawa Festival,” held in mid-September every year, you can enjoy both Mikoshi and Edo style Dashi.